Thermal Cover

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to improvement in thermal covers used to protect piping, liquid transmission, backflow prevention systems, etc. The improved thermal cover includes an insulated pad, a heat barrier and wrapper to hold the insulated pad configured in a specific fashion so as to improve freezing resistance and/or reduction of damage due to excessive heat. Padlocks, ties, etc. secure a thermal cover by means of grommets to an underlying piping, liquid transmission, backflow prevention system, etc. component. Removal of a tie permits access to the underlying components. Padlocks provide security for the thermal cover simultaneously with the access afforded due to removal of a tie. One or more foil layers further enhance protection against radiant heat loss. The combination of the one or more components of foil backing attached to structurally strong foam contributes to the thermal cover&#39;s ability to maintain its shape and it&#39;s effectiveness over time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain liquid transmission mechanisms and systems, piping systems andassociated devices such as backflow prevention assemblies providingcritically important operations may be subjected to environmentaltransient and/or high or low temperature extremes. These systems oftenoperate outdoors, during the winter for example, when temperatures dropto or below freezing for brief periods of time. Alternatively thesesystems may operate at high temperature during summer months. Certainmechanisms such as backflow prevention assemblies used in conjunctionwith water supply systems may have low water flow. As a result, thedevices are subjected to high temperature fluctuations that causepremature deterioration of the system components and other undesirableconditions.

Since their operation is critical, it is sometimes worthwhile to provideprotection from undesirable effects of the heat or cold in order toavoid the malfunction or damage to the devices and systems that mightotherwise result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved thermal cover invented by the applicant provides freezeresistance when installed on backflow prevention assemblies or otherliquid transmission component, systems, etc. The combination of improvedinsulation material and a heat/cold barrier described herein providesuperior passive freeze resistance. In addition, the heat barriercomponent of the invention provides protection from loss of radiantheat, reflecting the otherwise lost heat back into an insulated padthereby acting like a “heat dam” to reduce the transfer of heat into theopen air.

One or more foil barriers further enhance protection against radiantheat loss. The combination of one or more foil backings attached to astructurally-strong foam layer contributes to the thermal cover'sability to maintain its shape and its' effectiveness over time as well.In addition, stitching the heat barrier and/or insulated pad componentstogether with the outer covering also helps to maintain the positioningof the underlying components within the thermal cover thereby increasingthe thermal cover's resilience and effectiveness long term. At thecenterline, the insulated pad and/or heat barrier is sewn withsemi-circle (e.g. or other shape such as an arch, angular, circle, etc.)to the inner covering and outer covering.

The insulated pad is attached to the inner and outer covering that arestitched together in two parallel lines positioned along the edge of theinner covering and the outer covering.

Grommets or other securing mechanisms are attached to the thermal coverin strategic locations either at the edge of the thermal cover or on theside positioned near the protected backflow assembly device in such aposition that the thermal cover creates a weather-tight attachment ofthe thermal cover to the backflow prevention assembly. The use of anattachment mechanism such as a plastic or nylon tie secured through thegrommets permits easy access to the underlying device(s) by removing thetie and moving the thermal cover. Security may be maintained byutilizing a padlock to secure a second grommet, etc.

The inner covering and outer covering (i.e. of the thermal cover'swrapper) are preferably constructed of tough material, similar to thatused to make truck tarps. This material resists damage when accidentallybrushed by lawn mowers and other landscaping equipment. Wrapper,insulation and heat barrier material that resists moisture, mold andmildew reduces the occurrence of wet break up that would otherwiseresult in the insulation material lying in mounds at the lowest part ofthe thermal cover.

Embodiments of the invention include a liquid transmission systemthermal cover comprising an insulated pad, a heat barrier and a wrapperthat holds the insulated pad and heat barrier. The radiant heat barriermade of foam, bubble wrap, one or more layers of foil backing or othermaterial operates as a radiant heat barrier. The heat barrier is madefrom material sufficiently-structurally sound as is needed to providestructural support for the foil backing. The heat barrier may also bebonded to the foil backing according to certain embodiments of theinvention. The insulated pad is made of non-woven polyester fibermaterial.

Other embodiments include attachment of a wrapper (e.g. inner covering,outer covering) to the insulated pad such as by stitching, stitching ofthe wrapper, pad, etc. at the centerline in form of a semicircle or archin the thermal cover manufacturing process. The inner covering and outercovering of the thermal cover are stitched together in two parallellines positioned along the edge of the inner covering and the outercovering.

Other embodiments include at least one securing mechanism such as atleast one grommet attached to the wrapper wherein the at least onesecuring mechanism is large enough within which to attach a lockingdevice to securely attach the thermal cover to a device positionedunderneath the thermal cover. Plastic, nylon ties, padlocks, etc. areused as the securing mechanism to attach the thermal cover to anunderlying device (e.g. liquid transmission mechanisms and systems,piping systems and associated devices such as backflow preventionassemblies). The securing mechanism (e.g. grommet) may be positioned atthe end of the thermal cover or the side of the thermal cover (i.e. insuch position with respect to the edge of the underlying device so as tocreate a weather tight installation of the thermal cover to theunderlying device).

Embodiments of the invention include a heat barrier, a wrapper thatholds the heat barrier in place and an attachment mechanism thatattaches the wrapper to the heat barrier.

According to one embodiment of the invention the wrapper comprises amoisture resistive material.

According to another embodiment of the invention the thermal coverincludes at least one extension to hold the thermal cover in positionover a test/valve attachment.

Yet another embodiment of the invention includes an attachment mechanismto temporarily hold the thermal cover in position during installation ofa tie.

Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detailherein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a betterunderstanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer tothe description and to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a thermal cover installed over a backflowprevention assembly and pipe, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of a thermal cover with its' plastic tie removed inorder to provide access to the underlying device, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a thermal cover with grommets placed on the sidesof the thermal cover about ⅗ths of the distance from the free end,according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of an alternative form of thermal cover forprotecting a test/valve attachment, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway drawing of a thermal cover showing the heat barrierand insulated pad underlying the wrapper, according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of a large installation to convey one example of thevariety of applications of a thermal cover possible, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention provide more effective thermal protectivecovering for backflow prevention assemblies, other pipe, plumbingsystems and devices, test assemblies such as test cocks, irrigation,water and other systems, etc. such as for transmission of liquids. Acentral feature of the present invention is the employment of a heatbarrier that limits heat loss that would otherwise radiate from theprotected device/system into the open air. The heat barrier includes alayer of foam or other material such as bubble wrap. In addition, thelayer of foam may be backed with foil on one or both sides. The foil mayor may not be bonded to the foam. The foil-backed foam combinationprovides a barrier to radiant heat transfer exceeding the level of heattransfer protection that would otherwise be possible. The heat barrieralso reflects heat back into an insulated pad component of the thermalcover as such, acting like a “heat dam” and ultimately reducing thetransfer of heat into the air. The insulated pad provides spacing,filler and/or insulation.

In an analogous fashion during the summer, the heat barrier protectsdevices within the thermal cover from the transfer of outside summerheat into the thermal cover and protected devices positioned within thethermal cover thus substantially reducing heat gain of the protecteddevices, backflow prevention assembly, etc. In particular, this form ofprotection reduces the impact of chemicals on rubber components thatwould otherwise be subjected the external induced heat. Thus the thermalcover improves upon the protection of underlying devices from bothtemporary sub-freezing temperatures and summer heat.

A second component of the thermal cover is a layer of insulation orinsulated pad. Certain embodiments of the invention rely on spunnon-woven polyester fiber to contribute to superior insulationcharacteristics for the thermal cover. The foil backed foam andinsulated pad (e.g. layer of insulation, filler, etc.) are sewn togetherinside of a wrapper (i.e. an inner covering and outer covering of thewrapper).

The three components (i.e. heat barrier, insulated pad and/or wrapper)are sewn (or other attachment mechanism) together by two parallelstitches at the edge of the thermal cover. A semi-circle stitching isprovide at the centerline fold of the thermal cover to more-effectivelyhold the underlying heat barrier and insulated pad in place within thewrapper. The individual components of the thermal cover are moisture,mold and/or mildew resistant and the wrapper has a barrier to liquidcomprising a polymer coating or other moisture-resistant covering. Thewrapper (i.e. inner covering and outer covering) is a “tarp”-likematerial according to one embodiment of the invention.

Additional details of the inventive features are demonstrated inconnection with the following illustrative drawings of exemplaryembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a thermal cover installed over a backflowprevention assembly 12 and pipe 10, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 1 shows the pipe 10, the backflow prevention assembly 12 and athermal cover 14. The thermal cover 14 has a first securing mechanism 16and a second securing mechanism 17 (e.g. a first grommet 16 and a secondgrommet 17 or other type of fastening device). As depicted in FIG. 1,each grommet 16, 17 can be attached by a locking device such as a tie30, padlock 32 and/or other mechanism such as to a duplicate grommet onthe opposite side of wrapper 23 (i.e. thereby attaching the two sides ofthe wrapper 23) according to one embodiment of the invention.Alternatively a second securing mechanism (such as a freestandingsecuring mechanism to which the first grommet 16 and/or second grommet17, etc. can be secured or tied, etc.) is also possible, according to analternative embodiment of the invention. The double stitching 18positioned at the base of the thermal cover 14 serves as a flange uponwhich the first grommet 16 and/or second 17 can be securely attachedaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

The thermal cover 14 is folded at the top 20 and double stitched on thesides 22 thereby creating the shape of an envelope according to oneembodiment of the invention. The thermal cover 14 has a wrapper 23comprising an inside covering 24 and an outside covering 26 as willlater more conveniently be displayed in FIG. 5.

A first tie 30 such as a plastic or nylon tie attaches to the firstgrommet 16. The tie 30 which typically cannot be removed without beingcut or damaged, attaches the first grommets 16 to another securingmechanism such as a grommet attached to the other side of the thermalcover 14 thereby discouraging casual removal of the thermal cover 14.However, the first tie 30 can also be cut as needed and replaced at lowcost if it becomes necessary to access the inside components of thethermal cover 14. Within the second grommet 17 is secured a padlock 32that provides a more-permanent attachment of the thermal cover 14 aswell as reducing the likelihood of theft. The first grommet 16 andsecond grommet 17 that are at least ⅜″ in inside diameter ensure easyinstallation of a padlock.

The first grommet 16 and second grommet 17, etc. may additionally bepositioned at the end of the thermal cover 14 (or at other locationssuch as the side(s) of the thermal cover, multiple locations, etc. insuch position with respect to the edge of an underlying backflowprevention assembly 12 or other device that the thermal cover 14 createsa weather tight installation of the thermal cover to the underlyingbackflow prevention assembly 12.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of a thermal cover having its' plastic tie 30removed in order to provide access to the underlying device 12 (e.g.backflow prevention assembly), according to one embodiment of theinvention. It includes a pipe 10, backflow prevention assembly 12,thermal cover 14, first grommet 16, second grommet 17 and padlock 32.FIG. 2 is a similar drawing to FIG. 1 with the exception that theplastic tie 30 has been removed from first grommet 16 and the thermalcover 14 slid to the right side so as to provide access to the exposeddevices 10, 12. The bottom of the envelope has a strategically placedfirst grommet 16 and a second grommet 17, etc. that permit access tounderlying backflow prevention assembly 12, pipe 10, etc., when thecorresponding locking device is loosened or removed from the thermalcover 14. A technician can access the exposed devices 10, 12 by tiltingthe thermal cover 14 to the side.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a thermal cover with grommets placed on the sidesof the thermal cover 14 about 3/5ths of the distance from the free end,according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 includes a firstgrommet 16, second grommet 17, third grommet 40 and fourth grommet 42, afirst padlock 17, first tie 16, third tie 44 and fourth tie 46. FIG. 3also includes stitching in the form of a semi-circle of stitching 50 atthe centerline of the thermal cover 14.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, instead ofbeing stitched in the form of an envelope, the thermal cover 14 isinstalled as a flat pad folded over the backflow prevention assembly,pipe or other device 55. The thermal cover 14 is equipped with a thirdgrommet 40 and fourth grommet 42 strategically placed on the sides ofthe thermal cover 14 so as to permit an installer to draw the ends ofthe thermal cover 14 tightly around the pipe 55, ensuring that the pipe55 or other protected device is installed in such a fashion as to securethe thermal cover 14 in a wind resistant configuration protecting thebackflow prevention assembly, pipe or other device 55 from weather. Thisconfiguration allows the thermal cover 14 to attach more tightly to thepipe 55 than would be possible solely by attachment of the first grommet16 and the second grommet 17 located at the bottom of the thermal cover14.

Stitching 50 in the form of a semi-circle, arch, etc. at the centerlineof the thermal cover 14 attaches the inner covering 24 of the wrapper 23to the heat barrier 73 and insulated pad 72 (shown in more detail laterin FIG. 5) underneath. The semi-circle stitching 50 serves twopurposes: 1) it is an efficient method of manufacturing the thermalcover 14 and 2) stitching through the wrapper 23 to the underlying heatbarrier 73 and/or insulated pad 72 prevents the underlying insulated padfrom moving, shifting, bunching, repositioning, etc. inside the thermalcover 14.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of an alternative form of thermal cover 64 forprotecting a test/valve attachment, according to one embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 4 includes a valve handle 60, a test/valve attachment62, extension 63 (such as a strap, etc.), attachment mechanism 65 (e.g.such as a temporary sleeve) and tie 66. As depicted, the thermal cover64 provides thermal protection for the test/valve attachment 62. Thetest/valve attachment thermal cover 64 is an alternative configurationthat includes a heat barrier 73 (e.g. comprised of a first foil backing75, a layer of foam 76 and a second foil backing 77) and insulated pad72 similar to that of the thermal cover 14 described earlier and whichwill be shown in more detail in FIG. 5. As expected, of the thermalcover 64 for the test/valve attachment is configured in a shape toeffectively fit the test/valve attachment 62. Two extensions 63 wraparound the test/valve attachment to either side of the valve handle 60.The extension or extensions 63 is/are temporarily attached to thethermal cover 64 by an attachment mechanism 65 such as a pocket, snap, aproduct label that doubles as a temporary sleeve, etc. to hold theextension(s) 63 in position during installation until the thermal cover64 can be secured by the tie 66. The test/valve attachment thermal cover64 is then secured by one or more ties 66.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway drawing of a thermal cover showing the heat barrierand insulated pad underlying the wrapper, according to one embodiment ofthe invention. FIG. 5 includes an insulated pad 72 and heat barrier 73.The heat barrier 73 includes at least one foil backing (e.g. a firstfoil backing 75, second foil backing 77, etc.) according to oneembodiment of the invention. The insulated pad 72 is made of spunnon-woven polyester fiber that provides superior insulationcharacteristics within the thermal cover 14.

The radiant heat barrier 73 includes a layer of foam 76. Foam hassuperior structural characteristics compared to more typically-usedinsulation batting, providing a much longer working life for the thermalcover 14. Additionally, the strength of the foam layer 76 providessupport for the one or more foil backing 75, 77 layers. The foil backinglayers 75, 77 are bonded to the foam layer 76 according to certainembodiments of the invention. Bubble wrap may alternatively be employedin place of the foam layer 76. The one or more layers of foil backingoperate as a radiant heat barrier 73 effectively reducing the transferof heat into the open air.

The improved thermal cover 14 invented by the applicant provides freezeresistance when installed on backflow prevention assemblies or otherliquid transmission component, systems, etc. The combination of improvedinsulation material and a heat/cold barrier provide superior passivefreeze resistance. In addition, the heat barrier 73 component of theinvention provides protection from loss of radiant heat, reflecting theheat back into the insulation fill and acting like a “heat dam” therebyreducing the transfer of heat into the open air. The individualcomponents (i.e. inner covering 24 of the wrapper 23, insulated pad 72,first foil backing 75, foam layer 76, second foil backing 77, outercovering 25 of the wrapper 23) of the thermal cover 14 are moisture,mold and mildew resistant and the outer covering 25 of the wrapper 23has a barrier-to-liquid 26 comprising a polymer coating or othermoisture-resistant covering.

The inner covering 24 and outer covering 25 of the wrapper 23 ispreferably constructed of tough material, similar to that used to maketruck tarps according to one embodiment of the invention. The tarpmaterial resists damage when accidentally brushed by lawn mowers andother landscaping equipment. The wrapper 23, insulated pad 72 and heatbarrier 73 material also resists mold and mildew thereby reducingmicrobial growth that would otherwise contribute to wet material breakup and insulation material lying in mounds at the lowest part of thethermal cover 14 water saturated and also hosting mold and mildewcolonies, etc.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of a large installation provided to convey anadditional example of the variety of the applications of a thermal coverpossible, according to various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows one of many alternative embodiments of the invention inwhich a thermal cover 14 is installed over a large pipe installation.According to this alternative embodiment of the invention, the firstgrommet 16 is secured by an additional padlock 31 in place of the tie 30as depicted in FIG. 1. Many different combinations of the features ofthe invention as described herein may be employed according to differentembodiments of the invention.

Thus as described in detail above, embodiments of the invention providemethods and mechanisms for an improved thermal cover 14 for protectingvarious liquid transmission mechanisms and systems, piping systems andassociated devices such as backflow prevention assemblies

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, as defined by the appended claims. For example thermal covers14 may take a variety of forms to fit the underlying apparatus. Itshould be understood that thermal covers 14 employing a heat barrier 73,insulated pad 72, barrier/wrapper attachment mechanism and/or wrapper 23(i.e. inner covering 24 and outer covering 25) providing alternativeshapes, sizes and configurations are considered a part of the inventiveconcepts as described. The thermal covers 14 described herein maycomprise various multiples of securing mechanisms 16, 17 to accommodatevarious installations according to alternative embodiments of theinvention.

Also, arrangements of embodiments of the invention integrated withinother devices, appliances, systems, etc. having the components andcharacteristics described in this application are also embodiments ofthe invention herein-described.

1. A liquid transmission system thermal cover comprising: a heatbarrier; a wrapper that holds the heat barrier in place; and anattachment mechanism that attaches the wrapper to the heat barrier. 2.The thermal cover of claim 1 wherein the heat barrier is a radiant heatbarrier.
 3. The thermal cover of claim 1 wherein the heat barriercomprises a foam layer.
 4. The thermal cover of claim 3 wherein the foamlayer is bubble wrap.
 5. The thermal cover of claim 1 wherein the heatbarrier further comprises at least one foil backing.
 6. The thermalcover of claim 5 wherein the foam layer has strength capable ofproviding structural support for the at least one foil backing.
 7. Thethermal cover of claim 5 wherein the at least one foil backing is bondedto a foam layer of the heat barrier.
 8. The thermal cover of claim 1further comprising an insulated pad.
 9. The thermal cover of claim 8wherein the insulated pad is comprised of spun non-woven polyesterfiber.
 10. The thermal cover of claim 8 wherein the wrapper is sewn tothe insulated pad.
 11. The thermal cover of claim 10 wherein stitchingthat attaches the wrapper to the insulated pad is sewn in the shape of asemi-circle positioned at the edge of a centerfold of the thermal cover.12. The thermal cover of claim 1 wherein the wrapper comprises amoisture resistive material.
 13. The thermal cover of claim 1 whereinthe wrapper comprises an abrasion-resistant material.
 14. The thermalcover of claim 1 wherein the wrapper is coated with a barrier to liquid.15. The thermal cover of claim 14 wherein the barrier to liquid is apolymer coating.
 16. The thermal cover of claim 1 further comprising atleast one extension to hold the thermal cover in position over atest/valve attachment.
 17. The thermal cover of claim 16 furthercomprising an attachment mechanism to temporarily hold the thermal coverin position during installation of a tie.
 18. The thermal cover of claim1 wherein the wrapper comprises an inner covering and an outer coveringstitched together in two parallel lines positioned along the edge of theinner covering and the outer covering.
 19. The thermal cover of claim 1further comprising at least one securing mechanism attached to thewrapper wherein the at least one securing mechanism is large enoughwithin which to attach a locking device, the locking device therebysecuring the thermal cover to a device positioned underneath the thermalcover.
 20. The thermal cover of claim 19 wherein the at least onesecuring mechanism is a grommet.
 21. The thermal cover of claim 19wherein the at least one securing mechanism is positioned at an open endof the thermal cover.
 22. The thermal cover of claim 19 wherein the atleast one securing mechanism is positioned on the edge of the thermalcover in such position with respect to the edge of the device positionedunderneath the thermal cover so as to tightly secure the underneathdevice within the thermal cover.
 23. The thermal cover of claim 19wherein the at least one securing mechanism is positioned on the edge ofthe thermal cover in such position with respect to the edge of thedevice positioned underneath the thermal cover so as to create a weathertight attachment of the thermal cover to the device positionedunderneath the thermal cover.
 24. A backflow prevention system thermalcover comprising: an insulated pad, the insulated pad being comprised ofspun non-woven polyester fiber; a foam heat barrier having a foam layerand at least one foil backing; and a mold and mildew-resistive wrapperthat holds the insulated pad and heat barrier wherein the mold andmildew-resistive wrapper is stitched to the insulated pad in the shapeof a semi-circle positioned at the edge of a centerfold of the backflowprevention system thermal cover.
 25. An apparatus for thermallyprotecting a liquid transmission system comprising: an insulated pad; aheat barrier; and a wrapper that holds the insulated pad and heatbarrier; means for attaching the wrapper to the heat barrier and theinsulated pad; means for structurally supporting a foil backing of theheat barrier; means for protecting the apparatus from mold, mildew andabrasion.